VMware announces latest versions of Workstation solutions

VMware has announced the latest versions of the VMware Workstation solutions that have been designed to enable multiple operating systems to run as virtual machines on a single Windows or Linux PC. VMware Workstation 14 Player will introduce expanded capabilities designed for enterprises looking for a simple and streamlined solution for running corporate desktops on standard issue or bring your own (BYO) PCs. Together, these solutions will help to empower multiple types of end-users – IT professionals who need high-powered virtualization tools, developers who need a stable and sandboxed engineering environment, business leaders who need help to enable BYO initiatives, and the best of all worlds for home users and students.

“VMware has listened and responded to the needs of developers, IT professionals and businesses for over 17 years, which has helped the VMware Workstation team consistently deliver a solution that solves their unique challenges,” said Dave Grant, Vice-President, Product Marketing, End-User Computing, VMware. “In today's hyperconnected world, security is critical and the advanced features available in the Workstation 14 product line will deliver a secure environment for users to perform their tasks.”

VMware Workstation 14 Pro will give IT professionals and developers indispensable tools when designing, testing and operating data centers and networks. It will simplify testing for almost any operating system and application from a local Windows or Linux PC.

Workstation 14 Pro will deliver enhanced security with support for Virtual Based Security (VBS) within Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. This also adds unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) Secure Boot and a virtual Trusted Platform Module to maintain the highest levels of OS security. Along with the existing network speed and packet loss simulator, a new Network Latency Simulator will further enable developers to run tests and simulate a specific network environment, including distance and network quality, to test application resiliency. This and other advanced networking features will enable administrators to customize the name of virtual network adapters for better organization.

For streamlined data center management, Workstation 14 Pro will include improved open virtual format (OVF) and open virtual appliance (OVA) support to enable developers to automate the import of packaged applications such as the VMware vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA). Data center administrators will be able to also leverage advanced host power management to quickly connect to VMware vSphere and VMware vCenter to remotely manage virtual machines and perform power operations to ESXi hosts.

Lastly, expanded operating support will include Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Ubuntu 17.04, and Fedora 26.

VMware Workstation 14 Player will be a streamlined offering of the Workstation 14 product line, leveraging the same hypervisor technology, complete with many of the same capabilities such as the broadest OS support, high performance, and the power to run restricted VMs that comply with corporate policy. The commercial solution is ideal for businesses looking to run a single virtual machine on a corporate or BYO PC, and will also be available for free for personal, non-commercial use.

VMware Workstation 14 Pro and VMware Workstation 14 Player are expected to be available in October from VMware.com for $249.99 and $149.99, respectively.

VMware Workstation 11 and 12 customers will be able to upgrade to VMware Workstation 14 Pro for $149.99. VMware Player 7 Pro and VMware Workstation 12 Player customers will be able to upgrade to Workstation 14 Player for $79.99.

Customers who purchased VMware Workstation 12.5 Pro and VMware Workstation 12.5 Player between Aug. 22 and Nov. 1, 2017 will receive a free electronic upgrade to VMware Workstation 14 Pro and VMware Workstation 14 Player, respectively. For more information, visit the upgrade page or download a free trial.